Useful information. Better prepared bids.

COST PLANNING

What goes into a construction cost estimate?

Start with measurable scope. Apply the requested pricing basis to labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work, then make project-wide cost items and assumptions visible. A total without a documented scope is difficult to review.

Why there is no universal New York price per square foot

A useful benchmark needs a project type, location, date, size, scope, and a clear statement of what is included. Renovation complexity, system choices, procurement, labor basis, and site conditions can change the comparison. Use a documented benchmark as context, then test it against project information.

The cost of the construction work is also different from the fee for preparing an estimate. See estimating service pricing for the factors affecting a project quotation.

PUBLIC WORK & LABOR BASIS

Start with the right wage source.

Confirm which authority and project requirements apply before selecting a wage schedule. A wage figure alone is incomplete without its classification, location, effective period, and applicable supplements. Keep the schedule reference with the estimate so the basis can be reviewed.

These links are educational references. They do not imply agency affiliation, endorsement, or company project experience.

BEFORE BID DAY

A more considered pre-bid checklist.

1. Confirm the project name, location, submission deadline, and required bid format.
2. Identify the drawing issue and reconcile the sheet index against the files received.
3. Read the specifications, schedules, and tender instructions relevant to your scope.
4. Record all issued addenda and check their impact on quantities and quotations.
5. Define inclusions, exclusions, work by others, and owner-supplied materials or equipment.
6. Compare vendor and subcontractor quotations on a consistent scope basis.
7. Separate base scope, alternates, allowances, and unpriced or provisional items.
8. Review access, staging, temporary works, occupied conditions, and the applicable labor basis.
9. Reconcile the trade breakdown with the bid summary and confirm the arithmetic.
10. Record questions and outstanding assumptions before committing the bid.

This checklist supports scope review. The actual bid documents control submission requirements.

PREPARE YOUR PROJECT FILES

Give the estimator a clear starting point.

Send searchable PDFs where available, with readable dimensions and consistent sheet names. Include the entire relevant issue rather than isolated pages that omit schedules or details. A ZIP is useful for a coordinated set, but keep file names understandable and include the sheet index.

• Architectural plans, elevations, sections, details, and schedules.
• Structural, civil, and MEP documents for the requested trade scope.
• Specifications, tender instructions, and issued addenda.
• Scope description, project location, design stage, and bid deadline.
• Known exclusions, alternates, and required workbook or report formats.

For incomplete designs, state what the estimate needs to help decide. The response can then separate measured scope from allowances and questions needing further information.